Reeling (2025)

-Written by Dante Natale.

Reeling is a low-budget drama that tackles heavy themes as it navigates a family gathering filled with unease and lingering tension. Director Yana Alliata crafts an intimate character study centered on a wounded man attempting to reintegrate into his family’s life after spending years away.

The film follows Ryan (Ryan Wuestewald), a man who suffered a traumatic brain injury five years earlier and is finally beginning to regain some mobility. With his memories still fractured, he travels to Hawaii for his sister Meg’s (Nikki DeParis) birthday luau, hoping to reconnect with the family he left behind. While Ryan is initially greeted with warmth, the atmosphere gradually shifts as old emotions resurface and everyone becomes increasingly uneasy around him. Determined to piece together the events surrounding the night of his accident, Ryan searches for answers that no one seems eager to provide.

I admired Reeling’s commitment to depicting the frustration of someone who can no longer remember their own life. From Ryan’s perspective, it’s as if he has become a completely different person. He’s constantly reminded of accomplishments, relationships, and defining moments that mean nothing to him because he has no memory of them. Ryan Wuestewald delivers a terrific performance, conveying the confusion, vulnerability, and quiet desperation that come with trying to reclaim an identity that feels out of reach.

The film may frustrate viewers, particularly as it approaches its final act. Rather than showing Ryan compassion, much of his family begins treating him like a burden, creating an increasingly uncomfortable atmosphere. The harshest of them all is his brother, John (Hans Christopher), whose hostility toward Ryan rarely lets up. His relentless attacks leave you wondering whether Ryan committed some unforgivable act before his accident or if the family’s resentment stems from something far more complicated. That lingering uncertainty becomes one of the film’s strongest dramatic hooks, encouraging the audience to keep searching for answers alongside Ryan.

I don’t want to dwell too much on the film’s shortcomings because Reeling is clearly working with a very limited budget, but the camerawork is one area where the production struggles. The film often lingers on lengthy static shots that outstay their welcome, occasionally pulling me out of the experience. There were moments where I found myself looking around the room for something else to occupy my attention while these extended takes played out. I understand the intimate, contemplative style Alliata is aiming for, but with a story this emotionally driven, maintaining a stronger sense of momentum would have made it easier to stay fully engaged. Fortunately, the emotional weight of Ryan’s journey is compelling enough to overcome those technical limitations.

Overall, I enjoyed Reeling and found its storytelling to be effective despite its limitations.

While the film doesn’t necessarily have many standout moments, its emotionally grounded narrative, effective tension, and Wuestewald’s strong lead performance make it a worthwhile watch. It’s an intimate drama that won’t resonate with everyone, but those willing to embrace its slower pace will find plenty to appreciate. More than anything, Reeling left me curious to see what Alliata could accomplish with a larger budget and the same commitment to character-driven storytelling.

Directed by Yana Alliata.

Written by Yana Alliata & Amy Miner.

Starring Ryan Wuestewald, Hans Christopher, Nikki Deparis, etc.

6/10 = WATCH IT FOR FREE